The ruling on the congregation standing when they see the imam

The questioner : To you, he said (peace and blessings be upon him): "Do not stand until you see [the imam]." What is the ruling if they stand when they see him? I mean, the implication of the opposite. So I want them to stand for the prayer when they see the faith.

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed. And many scholars said that it is a recommended practice (sunnah) for them to stand when they see the imam so that they do not hinder him after the iqamah. Because after the iqamah, if the imam is occupied with straightening the rows, it means he is delayed. But if they stand and straighten their rows before the prayer is called to begin, that is good. And this indicates that a person stands when he sees the imam, even if he has not reached the point where the prayer has begun.

The questioner : We prefer it, O Shaykh. Yes. And this matter is the closest to the meaning and the text.

The Shaykh : By Allah, this is good. Yes.